Barbie Pink Guava (Psidium guajava) Quart Pot Live Rooted Cutting

Barbie Pink Guava

Scientific Name: Psidium guajava
Common Name: Barbie Pink Guava
Plant Type: Tropical Fruit Tree
Family: Myrtaceae

Overview:
The Barbie Pink Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit tree prized for its vibrant pink flesh, sweet flavor, and high vitamin C content. This small tree or large shrub is known for its ornamental appeal and edible fruits, which are enjoyed fresh or used in juices, jams, and desserts. With its attractive pale bark, glossy green leaves, and fragrant white flowers, the Barbie Pink Guava adds aesthetic and functional value to gardens in tropical and subtropical climates.

Origin and Ecosystem:
Native to Central America, guavas have been cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The Barbie Pink variety thrives in warm, frost-free climates and is well-adapted to a range of soils as long as they are well-draining. In its native and cultivated ecosystems, it contributes to biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and butterflies, and provides food for a variety of wildlife.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
Guava trees have been grown for centuries throughout the Americas and later introduced to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Revered for their nutritional and medicinal properties, guavas are used in traditional medicine to treat digestive ailments and boost immunity. The Barbie Pink variety is a modern cultivar, selected for its sweet flavor, striking color, and reliable fruit production. It has quickly become a favorite among home gardeners and orchard growers.

Ecosystem Contribution:
The Barbie Pink Guava supports pollinators such as bees with its fragrant white flowers. Its fruits are a food source for birds, mammals, and humans, while its dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for wildlife. Guava trees can also be used in agroforestry systems to provide shade and improve soil conditions.

Global Adaptation:
The Barbie Pink Guava grows well in USDA Zones 9b-11 and is widely cultivated in South America, Southeast Asia, the southern U.S., and the Caribbean. It performs best in warm, humid climates, but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. In cooler areas, it may be grown in large containers and moved indoors during cold months.

Mature Size:
Height: 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters)
Spread: 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Light Requirements:
Full sun. Guava trees require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. They can tolerate light shade, but fruit yield may be reduced.

Watering Needs:
Moderate. Guavas prefer consistent moisture but are moderately drought-tolerant once mature. Young trees should be watered regularly to encourage root development. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained, sandy loam
Tolerates a wide range of pH (5.0-7.5)
Amends well with organic compost to improve fertility and drainage
Sensitive to waterlogged soils—ensure good drainage
Foliage and Flowers:
Leaves:

Oval to oblong, leathery, dark green leaves with prominent veins
Evergreen in frost-free zones
Flowers:

White, fragrant flowers with numerous stamens, blooming mainly in spring and summer
Self-pollinating, though bees can improve fruit set
Fruit:

Rounded to slightly oval, greenish-yellow skin when ripe
Inside: Bright pink, juicy flesh, sweet and aromatic
Contains numerous small seeds, edible but often removed in processing
Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
Ripens in summer through fall, depending on climate
Seasonal Interest:
Spring/Summer: Flowering season, beginning of fruit development
Late Summer/Fall: Main harvest season, ornamental fruit display
Year-Round: Evergreen foliage and smooth, mottled bark provide landscape interest
Care Instructions:
Fertilizing:

Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
Organic options like compost or fish emulsion can enhance soil fertility
Pruning:

Prune annually to shape the tree and promote air circulation
Remove dead or crossing branches
Light pruning after harvest improves next season's yield
Pests/Diseases:

May be affected by fruit flies, scale, whiteflies, and aphids
Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if pests become a problem
Diseases include anthracnose and root rot—maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering
Mulching:

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to preserve moisture and suppress weeds
Uses in the Landscape:
Orchards & Edible Gardens: Valuable fruit producer with dual ornamental appeal
Specimen Plant: Beautiful foliage, flowers, and fruit make it a standout
Pollinator Garden: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies
Privacy Screen: Dense foliage forms a natural hedge or screen
Container Gardening: Can be grown in large pots in cooler climates
Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 9b-11. May suffer cold damage below 30°F (-1°C). In borderline zones, provide frost protection or grow in containers to overwinter indoors.

Special Features:
✔ Sweet Pink Fruit - Vibrant color, excellent for fresh eating and processing
✔ Fast Growing - Rapid establishment in warm climates
✔ Pollinator-Friendly - Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies
✔ Edible & Ornamental - Dual-purpose plant for beauty and harvest
✔ Container-Friendly - Suitable for patios and indoor growing in colder zones

The Barbie Pink Guava is a beautiful and productive tree that brings the tropics to your backyard. With its colorful, sweet fruits, attractive foliage, and fragrant flowers, it's perfect for edible landscapes, wildlife gardens, and tropical-themed plantings. Whether grown in the ground or in a container, this guava is a standout choice for gardeners seeking beauty and bounty in one package.